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The Pitching Edge

The Pitching Edge

List Price: $18.95
Your Price: $12.89
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Pitching explained in detail
Review: The Pitching Edge was written by the former pitching coach of the Texas Rangers. He was innovative and sometimes controversial. This tome is comprehensive, covering the physical, training and mental aspect of being a quality pitcher. The book is not necessarily aimed at youth, but I have used the to help my under 10 year old player learn the basics.

I found that some of the language in the book to be loosely used and obtuse. Therefore I doubt that a young reader would get everything the book has to offer. However, especially when used in conjunction with the companion video, this book is a great springboard for the young pitcher when guided by an adult. (See my review of the video for more detail)

One qualifier is required. House does not agree that young pitchers should be restricted from throwing breaking pitches. That was against convention when the book was released 10 years ago and convention has not changed. For further reference you could check the USABaseball web site for a great positon paper. Simply add (slash)med_position_statement(dot)html to the root url to see the page. These athletes are at beginning of their pro careers and this statement is about how to get them to this state.
I give my ranking about all the other items in the book exclusive of the breaking pitch advice for youth pitchers. I have not allowed my young pitcher to start throwing those types of pitches for fear of arm injury.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Absolutely essential reading
Review: This is absolutely essential reading. This book represents a new generation of thinking about sporting biomechanics that is scientifically based. Although some of the old pearls of wisdom based on intuition have been confirmed to some degree, too many past teachings handed down by word of mouth seem like old wives' tales. In fact things such the glove arm driving down are worse than old wives' tales because they can lead to excessive stress on the pitching arm, and so will lead to injury. From now on the critical pitcher will demand that any hypothesis about pitching mechanics be scientifically proven to be safe and sound rather than uncritically swollowing any old snake oil that could lead to a devastating career ending injury.
It should be bourne in mind that the language used is also scientifically exacting such that many younger readers may encounter difficulty. A glossary of terms such as "supination" and "pronation" needs to be provided in a future edition. This is really serious reading for the serious player and coach to be read again and again.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Most objective book I've ever read on pitching techniques
Review: Tom House combines science and experience to develop a pitching technique that minimizes arm injuries and maximizes an individual's strength. Debunks several commonly taught techniques while showing optimum throwing position. Taught myself how to pitch AFTER pitching in college and wanted to learn "correct" way to teach my sons how to pitch!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great book on how to make the most out of your pitching
Review: Tom House covers everything in this book. From strength training to mental training. This is the best book to buy if you are interested in improving Your pitching. The book is a great help for both the pitcher and the coach. I made my league's All-Star team thanks to this book.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of the simplest, yet insightful analysis of mechanics
Review: Tom House first breaks down the mechanics of pitching into frames and/or steps. He illustrates what is happening to the legs, torso, head and arms (what both arms are doing is important) at each step. Tom presents all of this in a simple, understandable manner. No scientific mumbo jumbo. Even a Father whose last baseball was high school 35 years ago can understand how to help their young pitcher.

Dr. House has updated the book and video based on kinetic computer studies showing that the glove hand does not "drive" down on the good pitchers. I reccommend both the book and video together as each complements the other.


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